NZ243872A

NZ243872A - Folding stage having attachment and storage devices for stage bridging panels

Info

Publication number: NZ243872A
Application number: NZ24387292A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Thomas J Luedke; Randy G Aagaard; Carl A Niemi; Andrew J Shea
Original assignee: Sico Inc
Priority date: 1991-08-09
Filing date: 1992-08-07
Publication date: 1994-07-26
Also published as: US5325640A; MX9204604A; HK1025081A1; US5349789A; US5701703A; CN1241531A; CN1071391A; HK1025082A1; CN1241530A; CN1085185C; CN1092135C; CN1047426C; KR940702244A; KR100215347B1

Description

<div class="application article clearfix" id="description"> 2+3872 Priority Date(3): MM Coinpieie Sp3cific3Licn Fil^d: . £0kH3 lVr>M Publication Date: P.O. Journal, No: ..... f?. NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 No.: Date: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOLDING STAGE SYSTEM We, SICO INCORPORATED, a corporation of the State of Minnesota, of 7525 Cahill Road, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55435, USA, hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- - 1 - (followed by page la) -to- 243872 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 5 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of mobile elevationally-adjustable folding stages which also support panels placed between stages for an extended stage surface. 10 2. Description of the Prior Art Folding stages are used for a variety of purposes to provide a temporary raised platform for use in schools, hotels, convention centers and other institutions wherein multiple use facilities require the 15 capability of setting up temporary stages. Such stages are made up of individual stage structures which are positioned adjacent each other to form an extended stage surface or are positioned to support bridge panels between the stages to form an extended stage surface. 20 When not in use, the individual stage structures may be folded to compact dimensions and stored along with the bridge panels. The stages typically have two stage surface members hinged together to provide for folding action, and have legs which either fold out of the way or 25 remain vertical while the stage panels fold. An example of such a folding stage is shown in U.S. Patent 4,949,649 to Terres et al. Although the stage shown in the Terres patent is very successful in providing efficient and useful folding stages, further 30 improvements are still possible, particularly with regard to stages having expandable areas which also fold for storage. Folding stages require a lock so that the stage panels remain securely in place forming a continuous stage surface and so that the stages do not fold 35 inadvertently. The center lock of the Terres patent requires a relatively complicated mechanism which is spring loaded and aligns between the two panels of the "i N T folding stage. The present invention provides for c ^ 13 AUG1992" V a ?43&72 locking of the two sides of the stage at an accessible location with an inexpensive simple mechanism. Previous folding stages have heretofore not provided for satisfactorily supporting bridging panels 5 between the frameworks of the stages to form an extended stage surface. Extensible area stages have not provided for folding of the frameworks of each stage. In addition, there has been no storage for the bridging panels on the stages having a framework. 10 Portable stages often have wheel assemblies which can be pivoted about a frame member into engagement with the floor to lift the supporting legs off the floor so that the stage will roll. However the wheel assemblies are located near the ground with handles for 15 rotating the wheel assemblies between positions also located near the ground. Actuation of the low handles requires bending over by workers attempting to engage or release the legs. The accessibility is limited as the handle is typically underneath the stage surface so that 20 in addition to bending over, the worker must move underneath the stage panels to move the wheel assemblies between positions. Therefore, it is advantageous to provide wheel assemblies which provide a mechanical advantage and also provide for engaging and disengaging 25 the wheels with the handle easily accessed in all positions. Although prior folding stages are elevationally adjustable, prior stages have not provided for adjusting the height of one panel as a folding stage relative to 30 the other panel. Such adjustment would provide for forming choral riser-type formations with a single folding stage. Methods for attaching panels to the framework so that the panels may be easily attached or may be 35 reversed heretofore have required connectors insertin^Tf\i < through passages in the panels and which had loose/^ * Oi 7 -v J| ^ ^3 AUG1992 G -3- 24387a separate top portions which were detachable from the stage and could be lost or misplaced. The connectors also require a groove in the stage panel passage to engage the connector for locking the panel into position. 5 It may be seen then, that there is a need for a folding stage which provides for reversible panels which are secured in an improved manner with no extra loose parts. It can also be seen that a stage is required 10 which has easy access for locking and unlocking a stage into position and for engaging wheel assemblies. Storing and handling of stage panels supported between stage frames must be stored in an easy, economical fashion on the existing frameworks. Folding stages should also have 15 the ability to adjust the height of one stage panel relative to an adjacent stage panel so that choral riser configurations may be achieved. The present invention addresses these as well as other problems associated with folding stages. 20 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to folding stages which may be used to set up temporary elevated platforms. The present invention has stage panels 25 supported by a folding frame. The frame folds from a use position wherein the panels are horizontal and form a stage surface to a folded position wherein the frame takes up less area and the stage panels are substantially facing one another. 30 The present invention provides for connecting and removing stage panels from the framework and for reversing the panels. Connectors extend through openings in the stage panels to frictionally engage the openings to secure the panels in place. In addition, panels which 35 bridge between the stages to form an extended stage surface may be stored on top of the panels of the stage ' -r l\A> 13 AUG 1992. 245S72 with hook members which retain the panels. The hook members rotate out of view and underneath the stage panel when not used for retaining the extra bridging panels. The connectors of the present invention also 5 provide for supporting the bridging panels which form an extended stage surface between the stages off of two sides of the stage or supporting three panels adjacent a corner of the stage. By having supports with multi-connectors positioned thereon, the various panels may be 10 supported between the stages. The stage panels may also be elevated relative to one another on a single stage by inserting risers below the connectors. Various heights of risers may be inserted on top of the frame and below the connector to 15 elevate one panel relative to another, thereby forming a choral riser type structure. The stages fold between a use position wherein the panels are substantially horizontal and a storage position wherein the panels are substantially facing one 20 another. When in the use position, the stage must be maintained so that it does not fold while in use from pressures at the edges of the stage. The present invention provides for a locking linkage extending between the legs underneath each panel to space the legs 25 apart from one another. The locking linkage can be easily accessed and snapped into position with a worker's foot by stepping on the linkage and easily kicking out the linkage to disengage. The locking linkage works with a spacing linkage extending between one set of legs which 30 maintains the distance between the legs so that the stage does not fold during elevational adjustment. In addition to the locking linkage for maintaining the stage in the use position, the present invention provides for folding assistance. A spring-35 supported folding stanchion engages the stage during the ; final motion of folding to the use position. The folding l ih* r 13 AUC -5- 24387P stanchion acts as a cushioning device so that the -weight of the stage does not slam the stage into the fully-open position. This prevents pinching of hands or fingers which may be caught between the folding members of the 5 stage. The spring of the folding stanchion also provides constant force against the folding framework of the stage to aid in starting the mc ion of folding the stage to the storage position. The present invention also provides roller 10 assemblies which ease transporting of the stage between storage and use positions. Roller assemblies have rollers which can be raised and lowered to engage the floor. The roller assembly uses a pivoting linkage to pivot the rollers up and down from a position wherein 15 they are fully lifted from the floor so that the legs of the stage engage the floor and a lowered position wherein the legs are lifted from the floor and the rollers engage the floor. A rotating handle which rotates from a storage position where it is hidden below the stage 20 panels to a position where it is easily grasped provides mechanical advantage so that a single person can easily raise and lower the roller assemblies from the fully raised to fully lowered position. These and various other advantages and features 25 of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to 30 the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention. 4-*. SM.O,'i9% 2 + 387,7 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding elements throughout the several views: 5 FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of an unfolded stage according to the principles of the present invention; FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of the stage shown in Figure 1 in a folded storage position and having 10 stage panels stored thereon; FIGURE 3 shows a side partial sectional view of a folding assist apparatus for the stage shown in Figure 1 with the stage in the fully unfolded position; FIGURE 4 shows a folding assist apparatus shown 15 in Figure 3 with the stage in a partially-folded position; FIGURE 5 shows an exploded view of the connector system for attaching the panels to the stage framework and for elevating one panel; 20 FIGURE 6 shows a side view of the stage panels with one panel raised relative to the other panel and with a kickboard in place; FIGURE 7 shows a side sectional view through a stage panel with the connector extending into the panel 25 in the unlocked position; FIGURE 8 shows a side sectional view of the connector shown in Figure 7 with the connector turned into the locked position; FIGURE 9 shows a perspective view of the 30 locking mechanism for the stage shown in Figure 1 in the partially folded position; FIGURE 10 shows a perspective view of the locking mechanism shown in Figure 9 with the stage unfolded and the locking mechanism locked; -7- 2(3272 FIGURE 11 shows a perspective view of a lower retaining member in the retaining position for retaining stored panels on the stage; FIGURE 12 shows the retaining member shown in 5 Figure 11 with the retaining member in the non-retaining retracted position; FIGURE 13 shows a side view of an upper retaining member for retaining the panels stored on the stage and a portion of the panel with the retaining 10 member in the retaining position; FIGURE 14 shows a side view of the roller assembly for the folding stage shown in Figure 1 with the rollers fully lowered and engaging the ground; FIGURE 15 shows a side view of the roller 15 assembly shown in Figure 14 partially retracted with the rollers engaging the ground; FIGURE 16 shows the roller assembly shown in Figure 14 with the rollers fully raised and the legs engaging the ground; 20 FIGURE 17 shows a perspective view of a bridging device for supporting an adjacent panel; FIGURE 18 shows a perspective view of a bridging device supporting an adjacent panel on two sides of the stage; 25 FIGURE 19 shows a four-way bridging device for supporting three panels adjacent the stage at a corner; and. rN ' *• 30 f '3 aug 1992" DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(Sft\ ^ c Referring now to the figures, and in particular ?J?|V to Figure 1, there is shown an elevationally adjustable folding stage 100 in an unfolded, ready-for-use position. 35 The stage supports a pair of panels 104 and 106 on a framework 102. The frame 102 folds to a storage position as shown in Figure 2 wherein the panels 104 and 106 are substantially facing one another and the overall area taken up by the stage is substantially reduced. The panels 104 and 106 are reversible and may have different 5 surfaces on each face, such as carpet or non-skid surfaces. The framework 102 has a folding portion 111 connecting at a center hinge and a folding linkage 112 which maintain legs 110 substantially upright when in the folded or unfolded position and during folding. The 10 height of the stage can be varied with telescoping members 128 extending from the legs 110 which can be raised or lowered to obtain a desired height of the stage 100 and which are adjusted by releasing height adjustment levers 130. The telescoping legs 128 have pads which 15 engage the floor. Raising and folding the stage 100 is assisted by gas springs 114 which are sized to the weight of the stage 100. In addition, adjustments can be made so that the panels 104 and 106 align by adjusting bolt 116 at the center of the folding portion 20 of the frame 111. a folding assist device 165 which aids in the initial folding of the stage from the unfolded position and the final folding of the stage to the folded position. 25 Folding assist device 165 also acts to cushion the frame 100 and panels 104, 106 so that they do not inadvertently fully close, thereby pinching workers' hands or fingers between frame members. A spring 166 supports a floating stanchion 170 which rides in a member of' the 30 frame 102. A floating tube portion is guided by a slot 168 in the stationary portion of the frame 102. The floating stanchion 170 supports a member of the folding framework 111. As shown in Figure 3, when the stage 100 is in the use position, the floating stanchion 170 is 35 fully depressed. The spring 166 exerts a pressure on the stanchion 170 against the folding frame As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the stage 100 has 187 -9- member 111 even when the stage is in the fully-unfolded position. Therefore when the initial force is applied to fold the stage 100, the spring 166 pushes the folding frame member 111 toward the folded position. This aids 5 in the initial folding as well as cushioning final folding. the fully-unfolded position, the folding linkage will unfold until engaging the floating stanchion 170 10 supported by the spring 166, as shown in Figure 4. The spring 166 and tube 170 prevent the stage from fully unfolding so that slight pressure, in addition to the weight of the stage, must be applied to fully unfold the stage and depress the floating stanchion 170, as shown in 15 Figure 3. This provides an added safety feature and eases the labor associated with folding and unfolding the stage 100. the frame 102 and the panels 104 and 106 are made with 20 connectors 135 inserting into passages 134 of the panels 104 and 106. The passages 134 are located near each corner of the panels 104 and 106 and extend entirely through the panels 104 and 106. Each connector 135 has a support 142 which connects with a cotter pin 25 144 inserting through holes 146 in each support 142 to holes 148 in the frame 102. To raise one panel 104 relative to the other panel 106, risers 150 and 152 may be placed below the panel. The riser 150 or 152 extends the height of the stage panel without raising both panels 30 104 and 106. Typically the risers are either four inches or eight inches. When an eight inch riser 152 is inserted, a kickboard 154 is placed between the elevated panel 104 and the lower panel 106 to cover the space as shown in Figure 6. It can be appreciated that by raising 35 one panel 104 relative to the other panel 106 on the stage, choral riser configurations may be achieved. It When folding from thfe fully-folded position to As shown in Figure 5, the attachments between -10- 24-3272 can also be appreciated that bridging panels extending between the stages may be raised with the elevated panels 104 to create extended choral risers. As shown in Figure 20, risers 150 and 152 may 5 be stored on the stage frame 102 when not in use. The risers 150 and 152 mount on storage racks 198 having riser storage members 200 thereon. The risers 150 and 152 slide over the storage members 200. The cotter pins 144 are then slid through the risers and the storage 10 members 200, thereby retaining the risers in an out-of-the-way location. As shown in Figure 5, latching members 202 engage complementary latching member 204 for spacing and connecting bridge panels 108. The panels 108 are 15 supported on the stage with connectors, as explained hereinafter.. Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, the connector 135 extends through the passage 134 of the panels 104 and 106 to be substantially flush with the upper surface of 20 each panel, as shown in Figure 7. The connector uses a pin 136 extending upward from the support 142 to extend into the passage 134 of the panels. A portion of the pin 136 widens over a flexible compressible portion 138. When the pin 136 is turned and tightened, the 25 compressible portion 138 expands radially as shown in Figure 8 to engage the walls of the passage 134. This causes frictional engagement between the connector 135 and the passage 134, thereby retaining the panel against the frame 102. The pin 136 is mounted with a flexible 30 base 140 which allows slight movement of the pin 136 for alignment into the passages 134. The flexible base 140 is adjacent a stop plate 141. The base 140 has a length greater than its width so that when the pin 136 is rotated, the base 140 engages the stop plate 141, as 35 shown in Figure 8, to prevent additional rotation of the; .- £ & pin 136. It can be appreciated that with a standard s :,v *13 AUG 1992 \ s r- 24587 -li- screw head on the bolt, standard hex wrenches may be used to tighten the stage panels 104 and 106 to the frame 102. In addition, since the connector 135 is a single piece attached to the frame 102, no extra loose pieces are 5 needed, so that pieces will not be lost when attaching panels to the frame. It can also be appreciated that the connectors 135 provide a substantially flush surface with the panels 104 and 106. As shown in Figure 9, to lock the stage in the 10 fully unfolded position, a locking linkage 155 is provided which locks folding halves of the frame. The locking linkage 155 has a pair of cross links 156 and 158 extending between legs 110 from underneath each panel 104 and 106. Cross link 156 has a handle 162 which provides 15 for lifting and lowering the linkage and a stop 164 for holding the linkage 155 in a locked position. The linkages 155 between the opposing pairs of legs are connected by a member 160 extending along the center of the stage. To lock the stage 100 in the use position, 20 the locking linkage in the position shown in Figure 10 is pushed downward through the toggle point, shown in phantom. When the linkage 155 is passed through the toggle point, the cross link 158 engages the stop 164, preventing further folding of the linkage. Any inward 25 pressure against the linkage 155 forces the link 158 against the stop 164 so that the stage 100 is prevented from folding. In addition, a spacing linkage 192 between one pair of legs 110 and above one of the locking linkages 30 155 is provided to space the legs during height adjustment of the stage 100. The spacing linkage 192 has links 194 and 196 extending between the legs and above the locking linkage 155. The spacing linkage 192 folds with the stage, but acts with the locking linkage 155 to 35 prevent the stage 100 from folding during elevational , ... v.f^' >"' adjustment. A;" : 13 AUGV 24357 -12- As shown in Figure 2, bridging panels 108 maybe stored on top of the panels 104 and 106 when the stage 100 is folded. The panels 108 extend the area of the stage surface between stages 100. This provides for an 5 extended continuous stage surface without having a frame below each stage panel. Storage of the bridge panels 108 on folded stages saves on storage space and eliminates additional caddies for transporting the bridging panels 108. By having the panels 108 stored on the stage, they 10 are always within easy reach of their final use position. The bridge panels 108 are retained on the stage 100 by hook members 172 along the lower edge of the panels and hook members 174 near the upper portion of the 15 panels. As shown in Figure 11, the lower hook members 172 extend beyond the edge of panel 104 or 106 and the bridging panel 108. The hook extends above the upper surface of the base of the stage panels and supports the lower edges of the stage panels as well. 20 As shown in Figure 12, the lower hook members rotate about a shaft portion 175 to the side and then slide under the panels 104 and 106 when the retaining hook members are not being used. The hook members 172 are kept in either the storage or in position by engaging 25 or disengaging a spring-loaded release button 176. The release button 176 extends through holes 177a and 177b in a mounting member to retain the hook members in hidden or use positions. The hole 177a is slightly smaller than the button 176 so that it is slightly depressed even when 30 aligned with the hole 177a, thereby providing some resistance to rotating, but not locking the members 172 in the hidden position. The release button 176 does fit into hole 177b so that it must be manually depressed to rotate the hook members 172 from the panel-retaining 35 position. As shown in Figure 13, the upper members 174 mount on the folding frame 111 and are spring-loaded so that each member 174 is held tightly against the folding frame 111. A spring 178 forces the hook member 174 5 toward the frame 102, shown in Figure 2, so that an upper portion 181 of the hook members 174 rests between the panels 104, 106 and the folding frame 111 during storage. When in use, a handle portion 180 is grasped and the members are pulled away from the frame and lifted outward 10 and upward. The upper portion 181 of the hook member 174 then is placed above the bridge panel 108 and the spring 178 pulls the upper portion 181 of the hook member over the panel 108. The hook members 172 and 174 provide for 15 storing the bridging panels 108 without requiring additional tools or loose extra pieces which are not connected to the stage 100. As shown in Figures 14-16, the stage 100 has roller assemblies 118 which can be used to roll the stage 20 between use and storage locations. The roller assembly 118 raises and lowers the stage so that the legs 110 engage or disengage the ground. As shown in Figure 14, when the roller assembly 118 is fully lowered, rollers 120 engage the floor and the legs 110 are fully raised 25 from the floor so that the stage 100 rolls to various locations. When the roller assembly 118 is lowered, the stage 100 may be rolled in either the folded or unfolded position. When the roller assembly 118 is raised as shown in Figure 16, the legs 110 engage the ground and 30 the rollers 120 do not support any weight of the stage so that the stage cannot move from the use position. In order to raise and lower the roller assembly 118, a handle 122 attaches thereto. The handle 122 can be rotated between a storage position for storage and a 35 use position to provide maximum mechanical advantage. The rotation of the handle 122 is limited by a slot 123 5'6Nr ^ ■ ,\j f \3 *uGvm J 2433 7,2 -14- on a handle receiving portion of mounting beam 124. The mounting beam 124 has rollers 120 mounted thereon and rises and falls along with the rollers 120. The mounting beam connects to a beam 132 of the frame by links 126A, B 5 & C. Upon actuating the handle 122, the roller assembly 118 is pivoted from the raised position as shown in Figure 16 through the position shown in Figure 15 wherein both the rollers 120 and legs 110 engage the ground to the fully-lowered position as shown in Figure 14, wherein 10 the rollers 120 engage the ground and lift the legs 110 off the ground. The links 126 pivot the beam 124 up and down relative to the frame 102 and maintain the rollers 120 parallel to the ground. Center link 126B engages a stop 125 on the beam 132 of the frame to prevent further 15 pivoting of the links 126 and maintain the rollers 120 in a fully-lowered position. In addition, the handle 122 is elevated and near the panels 104 and 106 and provides for raising and lowering the stage 100 without reaching down to near the floor level as had been required with prior 20 roller assemblies for stages. panels 108 between stages, a bridging support 184 is implemented. The support 184 includes a connector 185 placed on the frame of folding or other stage in the same 25 position as a single support 142. The two-way support 184 includes a gusset 186 for additional strength which supports the second connector 135 which inserts into a bridging panel 108. 30 panel 108 off one side of a stage, panels 108 may be supported off two sides of the some stages with a three-way support 188, shown in Figure 18. As with the two-way support, the three-way support attaches to the stage frame in the same position as the single support 142. 35 The three-way support includes a connector for the stage ^ . As shown in Figure 17, to support the bridging In addition to supporting a single bridging rn 243872 -15- as well as connectors 135 for each of the bridging panels. As shown in Figure 19, bridging panels 108 may be supported from stages off both sides and also between 5 the bridging panels extending off both sides for an even larger extended stage surface. In order to support the three additional bridging panels 108, a four-way support 190 is implemented which attaches in the same manner as the single, double and triple supports. 10 It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative 15 only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. v. h r i-4 13 AU6i9<; . . - </div>

Claims

<div class="application article clearfix printTableText" id="claims"> 2430 WHAT^fWE CLAIM IS

1. A folding stage, comprising: a pair of adjacent stage panels forming an 5 extended stage surface; a folding framework, folding from a use position wherein the stage panels form a stage surface, to a storage position wherein the panels substantially oppose one another; 10 support legs supporting the framework; means for supporting bridging panels between stages for forming an extended stage surface; means for retaining the bridging panels adjacent the stage surface panels in the folded position. 15

2. A folding stage according to claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprises hook members mounting on the framework and swinging up to a retaining position for retaining a stage panel and a bridging panel when the 20 stage is in the storage position.

3. A folding stage according to claim 1, further comprising: a buffering spring mounting on a portion of the framework and engaging a folding member of the framework, wherein the spring engages the folding member in the use position so that the spring assists in initially folding the stage from the use position to the storage position and wherein the spring engages the folding member during the final portion of folding from the storage to the use position. 243872 1

4. A folding stage according to claim 3, wherein the buffering spring further comprises a floating stanchion riding in a frame member and supported by the spring.

5. A folding stage according to claim 1, further comprising: locking means for locking the stage in the use position, comprising a linkage extending between corresponding legs of each panel, the linkage having linkage members and restraining means wherein the linkage passes through a toggle point so that members engage the restraining means and snap into a locked position.

6. A folding stage according to claim 5, further comprising a spacing linkage between a leg of each panel.

7. a folding stage according to claim 5, further 25 comprising an actuating handle attached to a linkage member for urging the linkage through the toggle point.

8. A folding stage according to claim 5, wherein the restraining means comprises a stop extending from a 30 first link and engaging a second link upon the linkage passing through the toggle point.

9. A folding stage according to claim 1, further comprisinq a roller apparatus for moving rollers from an elevated position to a lowered position wherein the rollers engage the floor, the roller apparatus comprising: -18- 24387? at least two rollers; / &» a mounting bar having the rollers mounted thereon; a linkage for lifting and lowering the mounting 5 bar between the elevated and the lowered positions; handle means remote from the mounting bar and rollers for actuating the linkage.

10. A roller apparatus according to claim 9 wherein 10 the handle means rotates from a storage position below the stage to a use position wherein the handle provides increased mechanical advantage.

11. A folding stage according to claim 1, further comprising: extension means for raising the elevation of the first panel relative to the second panel. 25

12. A folding stage according to claim 11, further comprising a kick panel covering the opening between the first panel when elevated and the second panel.

13. A folding stage according to claim 11, wherein 30 the extension means comprise spacers of various heights insertable between the framework and the stage panels.

14. A staqe according to claim 1, further comprising a device for attaching the stage panels to the frame, the panel having a cylindrical passage extending between faces of the panel, the device comprising: a flexible base portion proximate the frame; -19- 243872 a cylindrical member configured for inserting into the passage having a plicible outer portion extending from the base portion; means for compressing the pliable outer portion 5 relative to the base portion, thereby expanding the pliable portion radially and frictionally engaging the passage and retaining the panel.

15. A panel attaching device according to claim 14, 10 wherein the attaching device mounts on a base portion adapted for having a plurality of attaching devices for supporting a plurality of adjacent panels.

16. A folding stage substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.

17. A roller apparatus adaptable for a portable stage or the like substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.

18. A device for attaching a panel to a frame substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings. </div>